The administration of a simple glucose and electrolyte solution to treat acute diarrhoea, particularly in children, which has greatly reduced the number of deaths from dehydration.
This is essential treatment for diarrhoea, particularly in children. There are a number of proprietary preparations, often dispensed as flavoured sachets, including Dioralyte and Rehydrat. In the developing world, ‘homemade’ preparations, such as a liter of water containing one teaspoonful of salt and eight of sugar, may be used. These solutions replace salts and water lost because of the diarrhoea and usually no other treatment is required.
The administration by mouth of a solution of electrolytes in sufficient quantity to correct the deficits produced by dehydration due to diarrhea. The earlier this therapy is begun, the more effective it is (i.e., the fluid should be given before the patient is dehydrated). Because this therapy is simple and economical and can be supervised by nonprofessionals, it has been extremely effective in treating diarrhea in countries lacking health care resources.